Disney+ Launches Live Channels: Here’s What You Need To Know
By Movieguide® Contributor
Disney+ has added a new component to its platform in an effort to compete with other streaming services — live channels.
The steamer recently started rolling out a selection of live channels. Each one is centered around a specific show or theme. Users can play a new episode on demand or simply put the channel on and watch. For now, the live channels are limited to ad-free Disney+ Premium subscribers, according to MSN.
Disney announced the roll-out earlier this year, choosing to refer to them as “playlists,” as opposed to live channels.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” Disney+ president Alisa Bowen said in a statement about the move. “Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
As of now, there are only two live channels available to viewers — ABC News Live and Disney Junior.
Disney released a statement about the new channels, noting subscribers’ access to the ABC News Presidential Debate later this month, as well as “a playlist focused on preschool content.”
The company also promised “four more curated playlists this fall.”
There’s no confirmation yet on what these channels will be, but ComicBook.com reported “seasonal offerings” like a Christmas channel, “an adventuring programming channel that puts Marvel and Star Wars out in front,” a channel dedicated to older Disney Channel movies and shows, as well as one for “National Geographic and the documentary sphere” could be in the works.
This isn’t the only move Disney has made on its streaming platform. Movieguide® previously reported on its decision to shut down some of its smaller streaming apps:
Disney announced it would be shutting down several of its tangential streaming apps as it works to push more customers to Disney+ and Hulu.
Five streaming apps are getting the axe, though much of their content will be available on other Disney-owned streaming sites. ABC, DisneyNOW, Freeform, FXNow and Nat Geo TV will no longer be available on smart TVs or mobile devices starting Sept. 23. Their content will still be available on desktops, however, and much of the content will migrate onto Disney+ or Hulu.
This change will have a massive impact on consumers who pay for cable but do not currently subscribe to Disney+ or Hulu, taking away their ability to stream these channels as a part of their cable package.
This decision comes as Disney looks to consolidate its streaming efforts and push more subscribers toward its two premiere offerings.
